my aunt tizzy used to grow yamatoes!
I have been to 4 Hibachi restaurants in the past year, and am including Yamato in my count. Without a doubt, this is the most disappointing restaurant of the 4. First, this is the ONLY restaurant that does not include shrimp with the meal. The others serve at least 2-3 pieces that are cooked on the hibachi. Any shrimp ordered at Yamato is an extra charge. Second, the restaurant doesn't have much "entertainment" provided by the chef. I understand that the main focus is to cook the meal. However, other restaurants usually toss a nugget (broccoli or another vegetable) into the mouth of a customer. While it's a little cheesy, it's fun. Third, some restaurants have Saki in squeeze bottles and squeeze into the mouths of customers. I am not a saki drinker, so this doesn't affect me. However, it's fun for the patrons who want some extra. And why not? Fourth, there was no mustard sauce! Apparently the yellow dipping sauce was mao sauce...I'm not even sure if that's a correct spelling. I have never heard of this. Either way, it was bland. Speaking of bland, the fried rice was missing scallions, carrots and flavor. The interior of the restaurant was very dark. Dark walls and no artwork. I'm sorry to say that I will not recommend this restaurant and will not return.
My husband and I LOVE Yamato! We came in for lunch on Sunday, and our leftovers made a delicious second meal on Monday. We did the hibachi, and the food was fresh (obviously it's cooked in front of you) and sooo yummy! Our chef was as hilarious as he was skilled, and our server Maddie was super attentive and friendly. We've been coming to Yamato at least once a year for the past 4/5 years and we've never had a bad experience! Totally worth every penny.
Our family has been to this restaurant almost monthly for the past 7 years. When our son learned how to talk, he called it the "Men with hats" place. It is always great food and entertainment. This time had to have been the best by far. Our chef, "Q" was very talented. He was attentive, energetic, and the kids had a great time (our son and another at the table). On top of that, the food was amazing. We will be requesting "Q" in the future.
The staff is wonderful and great service. My daughter got scared and wanted to leave and they cooked our order quickly and everything still taste amazing when we got home. Thank you all so much.On a different note for people that don't want to be close to other people and are afraid of getting sick and uses their purse to take up extra space at the grill, stay home!! You don't need to take up half the table because you don't want to be near someone else.
Eric, the manager, absolutely amazing! My daughter has food allergies and he created by FAR, the most accommodating and costumer friendly experience we have ever had at a restaurant. Prior to visiting any restaurant, I have to call ahead to determine if it is safe and the foods she can eat. My daughter was not only safe but I felt complete confidence in Eric and the staff’s competency!! They timed her meal with the rest of the party AND her food was well flavored! It’s not much to ask but few restaurants actually make it a pleasant experience and are able to make allergy modified meals tasty. Yamato and Eric’s team created the best dining experience I RECOMMEND! . This will be our go to restaurant from now on.
It was fun Tevin really enjoyed his birthday dinner. He gets to beat the drum ( whatever they call it) after they sang the happy birthday song.
The food had no flavor. Cook used same spatula to cook chicken and the vegetables. Not cool.
Its always good. Third time going. I have noticed that you don't get equal shares of food. I was the last person to get rice and I had a very small portion compared to everyone else. Disappointed because I don't eat the veggies or noodles. I had shrimp and filet. I would not recommend getting the two meats. You don't get anymore meat doing that and pay a lot more. The people who ordered on meat which was all steak they were given a whole steak each and my daughter and I had the combo and they split one steak between us. Because the cook in front of you, you see what's going on.
We used to always go to Koizi. But, Yamato is WAY better in every way. It may not be all you can eat like Koizi, but you will definitely not leave hungry. The chefs are great. The food is all delicious, including the sushi. Definitely a great and fun place to bring the family.